Gunner Peter Brown was a long way from his home at Marlborough Road, Watford, eagerly awaiting local news in the Watford Observer which his mother was sending him. He had left England on November 2 and, in a hospital at Chhindwara, India, was busy unloading chairs, when one of the coolies came along selling packets of peanuts. He bought a packet and, to his astonishment, found the wrapper was part of a March 3, 1945, issue of the Watford Observer. By a further coincidence, March 3 is the birthday of his mother, who brought her son’s letter and the much-travelled peanut wrapper into the Observer office.

[From the Watford Observer of January 4, 1946]

The street lighting of Watford has always been a matter of considerable importance to the town’s people, and recently the action of some of the members of the Urban District Council has tended to bring it into special prominence. While some members are in favour of the electric, others are against so bold and courageous a policy in local administration and would much prefer incandescent gaslight as an illuminant.

[From the Watford Observer of January 4, 1896]

In an alleged careless motor driving case heard at the court, one of the drivers was asked what he said to the other after a collision. Witness: “Oh, only a few kind words. We exchanged greetings and I congratulated him on still being alive.”

[From the Watford Observer of January 23, 1932]

Tv and stage personality Roger de Courcey and Nookie have had to cancel a week-long cabaret season at Bailey’s nightspot, Watford, next month because of a Las Vegas date.

Roger, who lives in Bushey, has been invited back to America by singing star Dean Martin. They shared the bill at the MGM Grand Hotel last October as part of Roger’s prize for winning TV’s New Faces talent show. Dean was so impressed he asked them to return. They will appear in Las Vegas for two weeks.

The management of Bailey’s have agreed to release Roger from his booking, but he hopes to play at the Watford nightspot later this year.

[From the Watford Observer of January 27, 1978]

A Berkhamsted tradesman recently advertised: “Wanted, a boy – with brains if possible.” He received no replies, so he amended his advertisement: “Wanted, a boy – with or without brains.” He got a boy.

[From the Watford Observer of January 30, 1926]

The winner of London Transport’s £10 prize for a Billy Brown couplet asking escalator passengers to “Stand on the Right” is Mr E.F. Worley, of Boreham Wood. Over 7,000 entries were received. His winning entry forms the last two lines of the following verse:

Here’s another bright suggestion

Standing right prevents congestion

On the right it’s “Stand at Ease”

On the left it’s “Quick March, please”

[From the Watford Observer of January 28, 1944]

These stories conclude the Nostalgia column first published in the Watford Observer on January 24, 2014. The next Nostalgia column – with the forgotten war memorials and the TV show featuring 'neurotic' South Oxhey, among other things – can be found in this week’s Watford Observer (dated January 31, 2014 and available in newsagents now, priced just 90p) or read online here from 4pm on Thursday.

If you have anything to add – or would like to tell us anything you think our readers may enjoy about Watford’s history – we are always pleased to hear from you. Contact Nostalgia, by clicking here watfordnostalgia@london.newsquest.co.uk